Man seriously injured in single-vehicle crash

Published: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 8:31 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 8:31 a.m.

A Maine man was seriously injured in Columbia County Tuesday when he drove off the road and hit a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Michael J. Burns, 46, of Bridgewater, was flown by helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida following the accident that happened about 2:30 p.m. at 5783 U.S. 441, FHP stated in a press release.

Burns was driving a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis south when he drove into the northbound lane and then onto the east unpaved shoulder, FHP reported.

He hit an AT&T phone box, drove into an adjacent yard and hit a tree.

Burns was taken to Shands with injuries classified as serious. A passenger, Christopher Michael Richards, 22, of Lake City, was taken to Shands Lake Shore with injuries classified as minor.

<p>A Maine man was seriously injured in Columbia County Tuesday when he drove off the road and hit a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.</p><p>Michael J. Burns, 46, of Bridgewater, was flown by helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida following the accident that happened about 2:30 p.m. at 5783 U.S. 441, FHP stated in a press release.</p><p>Burns was driving a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis south when he drove into the northbound lane and then onto the east unpaved shoulder, FHP reported.</p><p>He hit an AT&T phone box, drove into an adjacent yard and hit a tree.</p><p>Burns was taken to Shands with injuries classified as serious. A passenger, Christopher Michael Richards, 22, of Lake City, was taken to Shands Lake Shore with injuries classified as minor.</p>